INSPECTORS fanned out across Bahrain to check the readiness of businesses to implement the new 10 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) that comes into force from today.
The Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry conducted the campaign in co-operation with the National Bureau for Revenue (NBR). Inspectors visited 134 outlets in the Diplomatic Area, Gudaibiya Avenue, Adliya, Juffair, Manama Suq, Jid Ali, A’ali, Riffa, Saar, Arad, Busaiteen, Galali, Muharraq and other parts of Bahrain.
Inspectors checked the readiness of shopping outlets to apply readjusted 10pc VAT, up from 5pc.
They reported 108 violations which required the imposition of combined fines of up to BD10,000 under the amended VAT law.
The inspectors also reported violations which can amount to VAT evasion.
Outlets convicted of VAT evasion would be closed and violators could be jailed up to five years and fined the equivalent of three times the VAT amount.
The ministry and NBR yesterday urged all outlets to comply with the transitional VAT and ensure that the new rate is implemented adequately.
The NBR also called on customers to lodge their complaints and report all VAT violations through its official social media portal.
For more queries or complaints, call hotline 80008001, use email vat@nbr.gov.bh, website www.nbr.gov.bh and Instagram @BahrainNBR.
&uuid=(email))